What lessons can we learn from the "scandals" of Quang Linh Vlog and Kim Soo Hyun?

The recent scandals of Quang Linh Vlog and Kim Soo Hyun have directly affected and risked leading young people to wrong perceptions.

We are living in the digital age - where social networks and multimedia have gradually become an inseparable "living space" for everyone, especially the young. The choice and worship of idols by young people is not only a cultural trend but also a common social phenomenon.

Technology has created a flat world where stars can connect with fans with just a click of a mouse. However, the downside of this fame and influence also raises many problems, from shaping perceptions to the risk of leading young people into deviant lifestyles.

From inspirational role model to the depths of crisis

Idols, in the modern context, are no longer limited to entertainment stars or athletes. Young people today look up to more diverse role models: from doctors, teachers, scientists, simple farmers, construction workers,... to digital content creators. This reflects a huge change in the value system of Generation Z and Gen Alpha - people who value authenticity, dedication and the ability to create social impact.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the image of resilient doctors and nurses on the front lines has become a symbol of courage and noble sacrifice. Many young people have created fanpages, sharing stories about the “white-shirt warriors”, thereby spreading the message of community responsibility. This is a typical example of the positive impact of choosing idols based on intrinsic values.

Many pages on social networks simultaneously posted information related to the scandal of Hang "Du Muc" and Quang Linh Vlogs. - Photo: screenshot

However, the dark side of fame is also evident when many young people blindly put their faith in temporary stars.

A typical example is the scandal of singer Jack in 2021, when a series of accusations about his loose lifestyle and uncultured behavior were exposed. Instead of condemning, a part of fans justified and even threatened those who criticized their idol. This lack of awareness is proof that excessive idolization can distort perception, turning fans into "tools" to protect mistakes.

Social networks and media play a dual role in shaping the image of idols. On the one hand, they create conditions for talented individuals to be recognized, on the other hand, they also inflate their popularity based on virtual values. For profit, entertainment companies often build the image of artists according to the "perfection" formula, turning them into flawless characters. Although this strategy attracts a large number of fans, reality has shown that there are many big "scandals" exposing truths that cause a crisis of confidence among young people.

The recent incident involving actor Kim Soo Hyun in South Korea is a clear example. In 2023, the actor was accused of having an unhealthy relationship with his colleague Kim Sae Ron (who was only 15 years old at the time), along with disputes over the amount of money Kim Sae Ron borrowed. Although there has been no official conclusion, the scandal has caused heavy damage to Kim Soo Hyun's career and shaken the entire Korean entertainment industry - where the image of a "flawless star" is considered a vital factor.

Similarly, in Vietnam, the case of Hang "Du Muc" and Quang Linh Vlogs, although they were built with positive lifestyle images and thoughts, while pursuing their business careers, both made wrong "moves".

Vietnamese social networks are also discussing the incident involving actor Kim Soo Hyun in Korea. - Photo: Screenshot

In the Kera vegetable candy advertising campaign, Hang “Du Muc” and Quang Linh Vlogs, showed the irresponsibility of influencers. Both of them “exaggerated” the uses of the vegetable candy product, causing complete disappointment to fans. This advertisement not only violated professional ethics, but also pushed fans into wrong perceptions that could put their own health at risk.

One of the most worrying consequences of idolization is the development of “stan” culture – a term used to describe die-hard fans who are willing to defend their idols at all costs. They not only spend time and money to support them, but also attack anyone who dares to criticize them. This was clearly demonstrated in the case of singer Jack, when a group of fans continuously spammed positive comments on social networks, sent baseless complaints to authorities, and personally attacked those who opposed them.

This phenomenon is not only common in Vietnam. In the US, the fandoms of Taylor Swift (Swifties) or Beyoncé (Beyhive) have also caused controversy many times because of their extreme attitudes. Psychological studies show that being too immersed in the world of idols can lead to “parasocial illusion” – a one-sided feeling of attachment to celebrities, causing fans to lose the boundary between reality and fantasy. As a result, many young people gradually distance themselves from real life, evaluate themselves through the number of likes/shares related to idols, or copy inappropriate lifestyles.

Towards a sober and self-reliant young generation

In an era where true and false information are mixed in chaos, choosing an idol should be based on the principle of “respecting values, not worshiping images”. Young people should learn to admire qualities such as perseverance, honesty, or dedication, instead of chasing after superficial appearances. At the same time, each person should also realize that, instead of spending time worshiping others, they can completely become the best version of themselves – a true idol in life.

In the journey of finding an ideal role model, the most important thing is still sobriety. Only when young people know how to put reason above temporary emotions, can they take advantage of the power of the media to develop themselves, instead of becoming victims of celebrities. Society needs citizens who know how to think - know how to do - know how to argue, not "machines" who only know how to chant the names of their idols unconsciously.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/bai-hoc-gi-tu-nhung-phot-cua-quang-linh-vlog-kim-soo-hyun-379589.html